So at least we now have clarity regarding local authority meetings beyond 6  May. The High Court has ruled that such meetings must be ‘in person’. There is huge disappointment and frustration across local government about the outcome as we have all seen the benefits that remote meetings have brought to local democracy.

Local Authorities will deliver the local elections on 6 May in their usual efficient way. They will then turn their attention to managing their annual meetings in some appropriately sized physical space. After that normal business meetings will follow. Democratic services officers will once again be at the forefront of managing these meetings, ensuring that local decision making continues in an open and transparent way and that public engagement is maintained.